So many people calling themselves Christian have judged others to be sinful and it became hurtful instead of helpful. These confrontations have left a bad reputation for all Christians to bear. Trying to live holy, they pointed the finger at others in judgment; with no mercy or understanding to the human condition.
These have forgot they too are only sinners saved by grace. Thinking too highly of themselves, their efforts to tell people about sin is like stepping on them, holding them down.
Instead of offering solutions and help to those in need, these have pointed their finger, accused, and driven people away. This should never happen; for there is a way to properly relate to people who need salvation from their sin.
The bitter words, “I thought the Bible said not to judge?” rings out day after day from the lips of people who have been insulted by the person who openly portraits themselves as holy and good.
For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? But those who are outside God judges. Therefore "put away from yourselves the evil person." 1 Corinthians 5:12-13 (NKJV)
In the case of the Corinthians, people inside the church were telling people outside the church to repent from their sin. However, the people inside the church were committing unholy acts themselves.
Paul was upset with their approach; for they should have been focused on what cures sin, what deliverance is, and sanctifying their own people.
Church is not to be only a social group to which a person can join to gain an identity. The church is a place where we are to bring our faults before God and learn how to live holy. Church should help us purge sin and purge it in a loving and caring manor.
Jesus said to His own disciples, A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:34-35 (NKJV)
Love is not blind; it does not look the other way. Love is truthful and can tell it's truth with care and consideration. Those who come into our churches need to hear about God's holiness and know God loves them.
Church is to be a place of binding up wounds. What sin has caused, love heals. If the attitude of love is in the hearts of those who come to church, love never points a condemning finger outward to those who are in need.
Yet in our churches we must hold holiness as a key value and accept all people who are willing to repent of their sin and be healed. However, like a hospital, the church is to be in the business of healing and never allow infections to grow with in.
Sin is as a virus, a plague; it sickens the strongest and reduces the weakest to death. Therefore, as members of the church we must be watchful and should people endorse sinful practices and ways, it should become an issue handled in God's love.
Paul raves saying, "Therefore, put away from yourselves the evil person." It was not only sin they had allowed into their church; the Corinthians were allowing sexual misconduct which had become an epidemic.
The person committing such an act was not repentant and had an arrogance towards the teaching of holiness. They were sick and did not want help. Paul says such a person does not meet the criteria of a Christian and they should be asked to leave.
Judgment is to begin in the house of God. As we confess our sins to each other, there is healing; for people pray and God hears the prayers of a righteous person.
Judgment comes through sound teaching. The word of God can shelter people from the storms of life and lead a person down the path to righteousness. God's word is medicine to cure the sickness of sin. God's word sheds light on the problems in one's life and allows God to enter in to purge the darkness of sin.
Judgment is enforced through love. As we draw close to the weak, we help them become strong. If we look upon the weakest members with the most respect, love will help to bind their wounds and heal them.
When the church judges its self based upon its ability to minister to the needs of others, they will become noticed by the world and many will flock to it for healing and help.
Christians will not need to point their fingers, only open their hands, their arms, and accept those who want help. For Christ did not come into this world to judge the world; but He came that through Him, the world night be saved.
